News for the active lifestyle in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Construction to begin on new Wooton Park playground

7/5/2022

ABOVE: Schematic rendering of new Wooton Park playground design. (scroll down for alternate angle schematic)

It’s been over two years since the City of Tavares sought proposals for the redesign of Wooton Wonderland playground located inside Wooton Park. Today the wooden playground closed so construction of the new play area could begin. The redesigned playground is expected to be completed in early 2023. The other parts of Wooton Park, including its Splash Pad, will remain open. However, the popular children’s water feature will be refurbished as part of this project. Those dates will be announced at a later date.

Wooton Wonderland, a creative and rustic playground, has been an important part of downtown Tavares for decades. Completed in 1992, the original Wooton Wonderland was a community effort spearheaded by the Tavares Junior Woman’s Club, the Kiwanis Club and community donations. Over the years, it became one of the favorite playgrounds in the area.

On May 19, 2021, Tavares City Council approved the new schematic design of the playground and authorized the project. The City’s public works department engaged engineering and architectural firms to meet modern-day playground standards, including ADA accessibility and inclusiveness. On June 22, 2022, the construction bid process was concluded and the project was awarded to Marbek construction.

To complement the existing seaplane theme in Wooton Park, the new playground will feature a net airplane for climbing, as well as a control tower play structure with a slide and other elements (see renderings below). The majestic live oak trees will remain and provide shade to the area.

Wooton Park is located at the downtown Tavares waterfront at 100 E. Ruby Street in Tavares.

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ABOVE: Alternate angle schematic rendering of new Wooton Park playground design.

ABOVE: The new 'net airplane' and control tower play equipment for Wooton Park

Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trails expand with more options

6/1/2022

To increase the cycling amenities in Mount Dora, a pump track and an 18-jump flow trail are currently being added to the Forres Park side of the existing mountain bike trails.

A pump track is a loop that, when designed and ridden properly, does not require pedaling. Instead, riders rely on an up-and-down “pumping” action done along a series of rollers (gentle hills), banked turns and other features that allows them to gain or maintain forward momentum.

Similarly, a flow trail has terrain with jumps and berms which allows riders to mostly pump and flow, rather than pedal. The surface of a flow trail is smoother than the more rough and rugged mountain bike trails, making it suitable for various levels of riders. Mount Dora’s new trails will be funded and maintained by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association and were designed by Natural Trail Building.

The goal is for the top section of Mount Dora’s new trail, including the kids’ trail, to be open by June 1. The longer section is anticipated to be finished by fall, 2022.

Currently, Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trail features eleven trails ranging from easy to difficult. Riders enter the year-round trails at Lincoln Avenue Park just east of the dog park area. The next-closest mountain bike trails are the 290-miles of the Santos Trails which are located near Ocala.

The new flow trails are adjacent to Forres Park located at 1550 E 9th Avenue in Mount Dora. The entrance to the older section of Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trail at Lincoln Community Park is located at 1550 E 11th Avenue.

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Mount Dora & Tavares pool & splash pad reopen

6/1/2022

Just in time for climbing temperatures, the area’s public pools and splash pads have opened for the season. Here’s what you need to know before slathering up the sunscreen in Mount Dora and Tavares.

MOUNT DORA’S LINCOLN AVENUE POOL
Pool guests can enjoy open swim sessions, take lessons or just swim laps. Admission to the pool is $2.00 and children under age 2 are admitted for free. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. The adult must be actively participating with the child in the water. Monthly passes are $24 per month and $50 for a family.

On June 6, the American Red Cross will start group swim lessons. The 30-minute swim lessons are Monday through Thursday for two weeks. Additional information about the pool, open swim, new aquatic programs and swim class registration can be found on the City's website.

Hours of Operation (starting June 6):
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m
Saturday: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m
Sunday: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m

TAVARES SPLASH PAD
Located at Wooton Park on the downtown Lakefront, the Tavares seaplane-themed splash pad reopened on April 30 for weekend fun. It will be open seven days a week beginning on June 6 for kids to cool off throughout the summer. Admission is $2 for anyone entering the splash pad’s fenced areas. Season passes are available at The Prop Shop at the seaplane base.
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Hours of Operation:
June 6 through early August: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week

EUSTIS AQUATIC CENTER
This public pool is located in Ferran Park. The City did not respond to requests for the facility's hours and admission cost, however residents can call the City at 352-589-4040 for details.

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DAY TRIPPIN' to manatees and more at Blue Spring State Park

3/1/2022

ABOVE: A view from Blue Springs Run on a day with over 600 manatees in the run. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

It’s nature like you’ve never seen it. On chilly days the spectacle of hundreds of gentle manatees easing through crystal-clear water is what awaits nature lovers visiting Blue Springs State Park. Located about 35 miles northeast of Mount Dora, the approximately 2,600-acre park features pristine Blue Spring, the largest natural spring on the St. Johns River and a designated warm-water refuge for manatees during Florida’s winter months. The spring’s year-round water temperature of 72 degrees attracts hundreds of West Indian manatees from November through March. On a recent chilly day, over 600 manatees were counted by the park’s staff.

At times, visitors can also see hundreds of large fish, including tarpon, gar, redfish and black drum, that take refuge in the warmer water of the spring run. The park is also home to Florida scrub jays and water birds like anhingas, cormorants, herons and egrets.

The focal point of the park is Blue Spring Run, a crystal-clear inlet connecting the St. John’s River to Blue Spring. The run is lined by the lush Pine Island Trail, 3.6 miles of a one-way boardwalk ending at the spring. Blue Spring is a steeply banked emerald pool featuring an impressive spring vent at its center which leads to an underwater cave system.

To keep the protected manatees safe during their stay in Blue Spring Run, the spring and spring run are closed to all water-related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating, from approximately mid-November through March. However, canoe and kayak rentals are still available year-round for use on the adjoining St. Johns River.

After manatee-watching, visitors can opt for a two-hour boat tour of the St. Johns River. The narrated nature cruises depart daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling Blue Springs Adventures at 833-953-2583. Anglers can try their luck fishing from the dock on the river, but lines aren’t allowed in the spring run.

To make a day of it, there are many picnic tables throughout the park, and a food concession with hot dogs and hamburgers is available for anyone that didn’t pack a lunch. The park also features two picnic areas with covered pavilions and grills to accommodate larger groups. The pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The park's history began in 1856, when Gold Rush prospector-turned-orange-grower- Louis Thursby- purchased Blue Spring. He built Thursby's Blue Spring Landing which became a bustling destination for steamboats transporting goods and travelers until Florida’s railroad was established.

In 1971, Jacques Cousteau filmed a television episode titled “The Forgotten Mermaids" which brought attention to manatees, as well as the importance of Blue Spring as a winter haven for the gentle giants. The airing of the documentary episode influenced the State of Florida's decision to purchase the land for its current use.

In addition to abundant wildlife, the park also features 51 scenic campsites within walking distance of the spring. Campsites are $24 per night plus tax plus a $7 nightly utility fee for water and electricity for RVs. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older get a nice perk of a 50% discount on the current base campsite fees. For those who want a little more creature comforts, cabins are $95 per night plus a $7 nightly utility fee.

The park is located at 2100 W. French Avenue in Orange City and is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. until sundown. The cost is $5 per vehicle. Park guests should always plan to arrive early as the park reaches capacity early in the day.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

Parachutes return to the skies over Lake Dora on Oct. 9

10/1/2021

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Above: Phatom Airborne Brigade jump over Lake Dora on May 1, 2021 (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

It’s arguably the most impressive sight ever seen over Lake Dora. Last May, as a vintage military plane roared overhead, dozens of Airborne “jumpers'' parachuted into Lake Dora. On October 9, the jumpers will return, but this time approximately 100 daredevils will jump during multiple passes over the lake.

The jumps, organized by Phantom Airborne Brigade, feature former military Airborne members parachuting from the Tico Belle, a vintage Douglas C-47 that dropped troops on D-day in Normandy and is now based in Titusville.

The recreational brigade, based in Zephyrhills, will have multiple airlifts with approximately 25 jumpers per flight. The first jump is expected at approximately 10:30 a.m. After each lift there will be a 20 to 30 minute break for the plane to return to Leesburg airport to pick up the next lift of jumpers. The drops will start near the west end of Lake Dora near Tavares and continue east toward the center of the Tavares side of the lake.

Previously the group chose Lake Dora because it seemed to be one of the best lakes for public viewing. The drop area is a safe distance from observers and is closest to Wooton Park and Kalua Beach Bar, according to Chris Stephens, the event organizer.

The jumpers will descend over Lake Dora and be plucked from the water by volunteer boaters that will have attended a safety briefing prior to participating.

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Mount Dora’s challenging corn maze returns for the season on Oct. 1.

9/29/2021

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Above: Long & Scott corn maze (photo provided by Long & Scott farm)

Get lost! And have a blast doing it!

The 19th annual Corn Maze Adventure at Long & Scott Farm returns on October 1 and continues through December 12. Located approximately seven miles southwest of Mount Dora, the seasonal attraction reportedly brings an estimated 1500-2000 weekend visitors.

Guests that dare can enter the 6.5 acre corn maze and attempt to find their way out of the tall and twisting corn field designed in a dinosaur theme. If that’s not enough of a challenge, visitors can opt to tackle the maze at night. Whether day or night, there’s no need to panic. It's friendly fun, so before an anxiety attack kicks in, participants can raise a flag to surrender and be promptly rescued. There is also a half-acre mini-maze for smaller guests.

The two mazes have lots of paths and plenty of room. Employees inside the maze and on a bridge monitor and help guests navigate the rows of corn. Visitors are asked to divide into groups of four to six people, with an adult in each group, and then enter the maze with a flag and a game sheet.

The popular weekend attraction also includes a lot of fun outdoor activities for kids, including an oversized jumping pillow, 60' super slide, kids' zip line, a mist maze, plus catch-and-release fishing. Visitors can also take an audio tour of the farm on the hayride while learning about what we grow and our history. Food vendors are onsite, as well as a country market and cafe.

Scott's Maze Adventure is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. between October 1 and December 12. Visitors should get there early to avoid long lines. Latest entry is 3 p.m. The farm is located at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. Admission is $15; children 3 and under are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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Day Trippin' to Apopka Wildlife Drive

9/1/2021

ABOVE: A vista from Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Pristinely beautiful, one of the best kept secrets of Central Florida lies just 15 minutes south of downtown Mount Dora.

Anyone who loves nature, wildlife and photography, will find this the perfect escape from the hustle of urban life. After driving through the gates, visitors are transported to an unspoiled version of Florida that’s elusive in day-to-day life. The 11-mile single lane meanders through vast wetlands and marshes which provide endless viewing of natural habitats with abundant wildlife. Alligators are ubiquitous and bird-watching is regarded as among the best in Florida with 369 species recorded. As visitors drive the leisurely 10-mile-per-hour speed limit, they may also spot raccoons, bears, armadillos and coyotes.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, part of St. Johns Water Management District, is located in the Lake Apopka North Shore. This area is the result of the restoration of former muck farms which transformed the area into an environmental sanctuary and recreational gem. Interestingly, the sprawling 20,000 acres that make up the Lake Apopka North Shore were once the northern part of Lake Apopka before the wetlands were separated from the lake in 1941 by a large levee. This reduced Lake Apopka from over 50,000 acres to approximately 30,000.

The slow, sometimes bumpy, scenic drive can take from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the number of cars and how many stops visitors make along the route. Bicyclists can ride in both directions on the 1.5-mile Lake Apopka Loop Trail segment which has four trailheads with restrooms at the Green Mountain, North Shore/McDonald Canal boat ramp and Magnolia Park trailheads and port-a-lets at the historic pump house. Drinking water isn’t provided along the trail, so visitors need to bring their own.

Outside of the Wildlife Drive, the North Shore property also includes trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The marked 6-mile-loop white trail on Clay Island features four observation towers, including one overlooking the west shoreline of Lake Apopka. The Red Trail offers 2.6 miles for visitors on foot, bike or horseback.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is located at 2850 Lust Road in Apopka. Motorized vehicles are only allowed to enter between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m. Trailers are not permitted. The trail exits at Jones Avenue, and there are no exits midway.

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Day trippin' for Homosassa scallops

8/1/2021

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There’s no shortage for day trips for adventure seekers in Central Florida. One of the easiest and most fun activities is a day of scalloping in Citrus County. The underwater quest for tasty Bay Scallops is a virtual underwater scavenger hunt aided by a mask, fins and a snorkel.

The first thing to do is head to Homosassa during Citrus County’s scallop season, which runs July 1 through September 2. The small town is nestled on the banks of the Homosassa River, a pristine nine-mile waterway that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. The prolific outflow from the 45-foot deep Homosassa Spring is what creates the scenic river’s flow.

Scallop hunters can either hire one of the local scalloping charter boats or trailer their own boat and launch it from one of the local ramps. The beautiful boat ride alone is worth the trip. Once in the Gulf, the real fun begins. Donning snorkeling gear, scallopers hunt for the hinged mollusks as they rest camouflaged in seagrass beds under five or six feet of water. Once startled, the scallops dart away and the chase is on. If successful, scallop hunters can yield a hefty bag of fresh shellfish by the end of their outing. However, finding and catching the little critters can be tricky, so here’s a quick video. If the scallops are too elusive, stop by Shelley’s Fish Market to take some home.

What to know before you go

GEAR:
Mesh bag, scalloping net, snorkel, mask and fins and gloves (optional)

LICENSE:
Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are 1. exempt from needing a license or 2. have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA, and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location)

LIMITS:
Like all other fisheries in the State, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the harvesting of scallops. The daily limit is two gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat per person; maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or half a gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.

BOATING:
Scallopers that take their own boat should be mindful of the changing tides in the shallow waters. Scallopers can also opt to hire one of the local scalloping boats with a guide who knows the local waters.

SHELL DISPOSAL: Scallopers are asked not to discard scallop shells in the Homosassa River or Crystal River. The discarded shells can damage the seagrass habitat, as well as create sharp hazards for swimmers.

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MANATEES MEANDER THROUGH WATERWAYS IN LAKE COUNTY

7/1/2021

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(Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Arguably Florida's most gentle and graceful creatures, manatees continue to be reported in Lake County waterways in increasing numbers. In order to create awareness about their presence and aid in protecting the slow-moving giants, Mount Dora Buzz sought answers about local manatees from Nicole Bartlett, research assistant at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.

BUZZ: How many manatees are estimated to be in Lake County waterways?
BARTLETT: Prior to 2015, no manatees had ever been reported in the Chain of Lakes. Based on our photo identification research efforts since 2016, we have been able to identify over a dozen uniquely marked animals, with estimates of at least another dozen using the waterways upriver from Moss Bluff during the summertime. We know some individuals that use Silver River during the winter will travel upriver into Lake Griffin but how often and how many is still unknown at this time.

BUZZ: Is this an increase from previous years?
We are getting more reports of manatees sighted in Lake County than previous years, but that doesn't necessarily mean there are more manatees present. We, and our county and state agency partners, have been doing a lot of outreach to try to get people to report sightings so we can have a clearer understanding of when manatees are using the lake system. But manatees are included in the fossil record within the Ocklawaha River system from Silver River to the St. Johns River. They have been here a very long time.

BUZZ: How many of these manatees are tagged and tracked?
We have two manatees tagged for the Ocklawaha project. Neither one is in the lower river system at the moment. It's one of the risks of tagging wild animals: they don't always stay in an area and definitely do not do what you expect.

BUZZ: Do the manatees find their way back to open waters from Lake County? If so, where do they typically go?
Absolutely! Most of the manatees who use Lake County during the summer will lock back through into the Ocklawaha. Some will use Silver River for the winter, some will continue into the St. Johns River, and use various springs during the winter. We have a few animals we have identified, with the help of USGS, who travel as far south as Ft. Lauderdale during the winter. Currently, one animal who used the upper Ocklawaha is at Hilton Head Island.

BUZZ: How many sightings have been in Lake Dora and/or the Dora Canal?
I have found four in our database. There are probably more, but if they don’t get reported to us or FWC, we don’t usually hear about them. There are a couple more sightings in the AB canal, and moving further into Lake Carlton.

BUZZ: One was spotted in the water between Lake Dora and Lake Beauclaire. Is this an animal you may be familiar with?
Without photos, I can't say for sure. We did have a tagged animal, Trevluc, who explored the area a few years ago, but he was sadly killed by a boat strike in Lake Griffin last year. I've seen two recent reports of manatees in that area, one in the AB canal. We had at least one manatee reported in Lake Apopka during the winter. Winter sightings are very important, because the water temperature gets too cold for manatees so they must have access to springs to survive.

BUZZ:   Is there a particular reason the manatees head inland? What do they eat in the local lakes?
Manatees like to explore. They will peek their heads into every nook and cranny, into places you would swear they couldn't fit, in some cases. And they like to eat. It's entirely possible that animals are entering the lake system in search of more food sources, especially given reduction of submerged vegetation in the St. Johns River after the most recent hurricanes and of course due to what's happening on the east coast.
The lakes are a manatee buffet, and like us, they seem to have preferences. One submerged vegetation species, coontail, might be considered the chocolate of the manatee world. I've seen some really go after the pennywort. I once saw two manatees plow through head after head of water lettuce like a pie-eating contest. If it's green, they'll at least sample it.

BUZZ: Should boaters in Lake County do anything different in the lakes and waterways due to the potential presence of manatees?
Manatees spend most of their time in the shallows along shorelines eating and sleeping. Slowing down in these areas, and just keeping an eye out for them would really benefit the manatees. When entering/exiting and within the canals that interchange the lake systems, remember manatees are also using these bodies of water to move between systems. Stay in the middle, travel at a moderate, safe speed and slow down near shoreline edges, especially where there is surface vegetation.

BUZZ: Are there any laws that protect manatees?
Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. It is illegal to harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap or capture a manatee, and it is also illegal to harass, annoy, or molest manatees. Harassment is defined as an intentional or negligent act that significantly disrupts normal behavioral patterns, which are not limited to breeding, feeding or sheltering. In other words, there are laws which prohibit feeding and watering along with interactions which disturb manatees while they are breeding and resting.

Anyone that spots a manatee in a Lake County waterway is encouraged to report the day and location of the sighting to nbartlett@cmaquarium.org.

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook and Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA AND EUSTIS PUBLIC POOLS RE-OPEN

6/1/2021

MOUNT DORA’S LINCOLN AVENUE POOL
Pool guests can enjoy open swim sessions, take lessons or just swim laps. Admission to the pool is $2.00 and children under age 2 are admitted for free. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. The adult must be actively participating with the child in the water.

On June 7, the American Red Cross will start group swim lessons. The 30-minute swim lessons are Monday through Thursday for two weeks. The cost for each two week session is $40 for Mount Dora residents and $45 for non-residents. Additional information about the pool, open swim and the new aquatic programs can be found at www.CityofMountDoraRecreation.com

Hours of Operation:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ABOVE: Eustis Aquatic Center (City of Eustis photo)

EUSTIS AQUATIC CENTER
Guests can play, float, sunbathe, read, swim laps or just lounge at the City’s complex at Ferran Park. Admission into the Eustis Aquatic Center also includes access to its splash pad.
Daily admission is $3 per guest for ages 12 and older and $2 for kids under 12. Guests can opt to purchase a punch pass for $40 for twenty visits.

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. the City’s summer camp is in attendance at the center, so guests should expect the pool to be crowded and/or near capacity on those days.

TAVARES SPLASH PAD
Located at Wooton Park on the downtown Lakefront, the Tavares seaplane-themed splash pad doesn't have a nearby pool, but will be open seven days a week beginning on June 7 for kids to cool off. Admission is $2 for anyone entering the splash pad’s fenced areas. Season passes are available at The Prop Shop at the seaplane base.
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Hours of Operation:
June 7 through August 6: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days/week

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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Outdoor Life

Construction to begin on new Wooton Park playground

Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trails expand with more options

Mount Dora & Tavares pool & splash pad reopen

DAY TRIPPIN' to manatees and more at Blue Spring State Park

Parachutes return to the skies over Lake Dora on Oct. 9

Mount Dora’s challenging corn maze returns for the season on Oct. 1.

Day Trippin' to Apopka Wildlife Drive

Day trippin' for Homosassa scallops

What to know before you go

MANATEES MEANDER THROUGH WATERWAYS IN LAKE COUNTY

MOUNT DORA AND EUSTIS PUBLIC POOLS RE-OPEN

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